There’s a container house in Nederland, Colorado, and soon there will be one in Boulder, too. It’s believed to be the first such project in Boulder, and showcases a design by M. Gerwing Architects for couple Mark Gelband and Courtney Loveman, according to a recent article on the Boulder Daily Camera. The design of the eco-friendly home was driven by the solar shade ordinance, a neighbor that wouldn’t help with the variance, and a challenging narrow building site (more detail here).

Located at 505 College Avenue, the 2,800 square foot home will have extensive windows, a cantilevered second-story master bedroom, and a solar array that stretches about 140 feet. The hope is to get close to net-zero energy on an annual basis.

The architect and owners met what sounds like a storm of opposition to the design, if you read the comments and quotes in this article on the Boulder Daily Camera. Colorado, as far as I’ve seen, is quite progressive, but this is a million-dollar neighborhood, so it’s kind of funny. Hello! There’s a new world of residential living that includes high-quality prefab, container homes, or modern architecture. I can’t wait to see this courageous home when complete. It’s coming together nicely.

Preston/Jetson Green – Thanks for picking up our story. You only hit the surface of: “Colorado, as far as I’ve seen, is quite progressive, but this is a million-dollar neighborhood, so it’s kind of funny. Hello! There’s a new world of residential living that includes high-quality prefab, container homes, or modern architecture.”

It’s Boulder that creates the illusion of progressive – as long as you’re wealthy enough for its truly regressive zoning rules.

We are trying to be focused on building the most creative, livable, beautiful home given our strict building parameters, but our neighbors, led by the just past former mayor, are using connections in the city to try to shut us down – after they have given us a legal permit, that has been paid for and we are building to.

I hope your readers – as educated, creative, informed and interested as they are in progressive, interesting building solutions will send us their positive vibes and support. Also, anyone who wants more information about containers, permitting, Boulder’s building and zoning rules, etc, just contact me – Mark Gelband – 303-522-1192, [email protected]

http://www.jetsongreen.com Preston

Mark, thanks for commenting. Sounds like it’s been difficult but I’m excited to see you’ve been able to start building. Great design, I can’t wait to see the fully completed home.

http://www.facebook.com/mark.gelband Mark Gelband

Thank you. Have always loved the site. Keep up the great work.

Jarl Kubat

These container built homes are very unique. I like the creative designs as well as the opportunity to own a attractive piece of, Real Estate.